How to stop Microsoft Edge from opening new tabs

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How to Stop Microsoft Edge from Opening New Tabs

Microsoft Edge has emerged as a significant player in the web browser market, widely appreciated for its speed, security features, and integration with the Windows operating system. However, one common frustration users experience is the browser unexpectedly opening new tabs. This can happen due to various reasons such as settings misconfigurations, extensions, or even malware. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this issue and provide practical steps you can take to prevent Microsoft Edge from opening new tabs.

Understanding Why Microsoft Edge Opens New Tabs

Before addressing how to stop Edge from opening new tabs, it’s essential to understand why this behavior might occur. There could be various reasons, including:

  1. Default Settings: Sometimes, Edge may be set to open links in new tabs by default when you click on certain articles or images.

  2. Extensions: Installed browser extensions can alter the way Edge behaves and could be responsible for opening new tabs.

  3. Malware or Adware: Malicious software can interfere with browser functionality, causing unwanted pop-ups and new tabs.

  4. Startup Settings: Edge might be configured to open certain pages at startup, leading users to believe that it is opening new tabs without any input.

  5. Cookies and Cache Issues: Corrupted cookies or cache can alter how pages load and may inadvertently cause new tabs to open.

Step-by-step Guide to Stop Microsoft Edge from Opening New Tabs

Now that you know the potential causes, let’s explore the various steps you can take to prevent Microsoft Edge from opening new tabs inadvertently.

Checking and Modifying Default Settings

  1. Open Edge Settings: Launch Microsoft Edge and click on the three horizontal dots in the upper right corner to access the menu. From there, select "Settings."

  2. Privacy, Search, and Services: In the left sidebar, click on "Privacy, search, and services." Scroll down to see the various options you can tweak.

  3. Manage Permissions: Under the "Services" section, look for "Address bar and search" and "Site permissions." Here, you can manage which websites can open new tabs.

  4. Speed up Navigation: Turn off the "Open sites in Microsoft Edge" option if you notice that it’s allowed certain sites to bypass your default behavior.

Reviewing and Disabling Extensions

Extensions can drastically change how your browser functions and can be the root cause of unwanted new tabs.

  1. Access Extensions Page: Click on the three horizontal dots again, navigate to “Extensions,” or type edge://extensions/ in the address bar and hit enter.

  2. Review Installed Extensions: Take a look at the various extensions you’ve installed. Identify any unfamiliar or unnecessary extensions that could potentially open new tabs.

  3. Disable or Remove Extensions: Toggle off the extensions one by one to test their functionality. If disabling an extension stops the tab openings, consider removing it entirely by clicking on the “Remove” button.

Clearing Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, an accumulation of cache and cookies can lead to various browser issues, including the unwanted opening of new tabs.

  1. Open Clear Browsing Data: In Edge, go to “Settings,” click on “Privacy, search, and services,” and scroll down to the “Clear browsing data” section.

  2. Choose What to Clear: Click on “Choose what to clear.” Make sure to select “Cookies and other site data” as well as “Cached images and files.”

  3. Clear Data: Set the Time range to “All time” and click on “Clear now.” This action can help resolve issues related to outdated cookies and files.

Adjusting Startup Settings

Another potential reason for Edge opening new tabs is its startup configuration. Follow these steps to adjust its settings:

  1. Open Edge Settings: Again, access the settings page from the main menu.

  2. On Startup Section: In the left sidebar, click on “On startup.”

  3. Choose Your Startup Option: You have three options:

    • Open the New Tab page
    • Continue where you left off
    • Open a specific page or pages

    If you find that two or more specific pages are set to open at startup, consider selecting “Open the New Tab page” or “Continue where you left off” instead.

  4. Remove Unwanted Pages: If you’ve selected “Open a specific page or pages,” remove any websites that you no longer want to open by clicking on the three dots next to their name and choosing “Remove.”

Managing Search Engine Preferences

Sometimes, third-party search engines can lead to unexpected behavior, including the launching of new tabs.

  1. Navigate to Settings: Access the settings menu again.

  2. Privacy, Search, and Services: Click on this section in the left sidebar.

  3. Address Bar and Search: Scroll down to the bottom and find “Address bar and search." Click to expand options.

  4. Manage Search Engines: Check which search engine is set as default and consider changing it to a more reliable source or clicking on "Manage search engines" to remove any suspicious entries.

Reset Edge Settings

If you find that the above methods do not resolve the issue, you can reset Microsoft Edge to its default settings.

  1. Settings Page: Open Edge Settings again.

  2. Reset Settings: Scroll down to the bottom and click on “Reset settings.”

  3. Restore Settings to their default values: Click on this option. Note that this will disable your extensions and erase temporary data, but it can help to resolve persistent issues.

Scanning for Malware

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s wise to ensure that malware is not causing your browser to malfunction.

  1. Run a Full System Scan: Use Windows Defender or any reputable antivirus software to perform a comprehensive scan of your system.

  2. Use Edge’s Built-in Tools: Microsoft Edge also comes with a built-in tool to find and remove unwanted software. Open Edge and navigate to edge://settings/system and look for options related to "Reset and Clean Up."

  3. Follow the Prompts: After running the scan, follow any prompts to remove detected threats and necessary actions.

Conclusion

Navigating through the intricacies of modern web browsers like Microsoft Edge can be daunting, especially when confronted with issues like unwanted new tabs opening unexpectedly. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effectively addressing the problem. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can take control of your browsing experience, preventing Microsoft Edge from disrupting your workflow with unnecessary new tabs.

Every user’s experience may vary, so some steps may need repetition or adjustment based on your specific circumstances. Whether it’s changing settings, managing extensions, or scanning for malware, a proactive approach will help ensure that your browsing experience remains smooth, efficient, and aligned with your needs. With these tools and tips at your disposal, you can enjoy a more tailored and enjoyable web experience with Microsoft Edge.

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